Tinubu Reacts As MTN Donates N1bn To Fight Hunger In Nigeria

By Awwal Umar Kontagora The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended MTN Nigeria for its donation of N1 billion to the federa...

By Awwal Umar Kontagora

The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended MTN Nigeria for its donation of N1 billion to the federal government’s Food Support Programme and the contribution of 4,600 digital devices for distribution to schools.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, speaking on behalf of the government, expressed gratitude to the telecom giant while receiving MTN Nigeria's Chairman, Mr. Ernest Ndukwe, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Friday, August 9, 2024.

"I am immensely proud of MTN’s stability as a company and its commitment to the progress of our country," Shettima said. "We have witnessed numerous changes in the industry, but MTN has remained strong and stable. On behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, I want to sincerely thank you for this generous gesture."

Shettima assured that the donation will be judiciously managed by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, alongside the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Regarding the distribution of the 4,600 digital devices, each pre-installed with the U-Lesson application, Shettima mentioned that MTN would work with his office to establish the criteria for beneficiaries and facilitate the distribution to secondary schools across the six geo-political zones.

He expressed confidence that MTN’s support would significantly aid the government's efforts to address various challenges in the country, particularly in education for the poor and vulnerable.

The Vice President also urged other companies to follow MTN’s example in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), assuring the business community that the Tinubu administration remains pro-business and that its policies will soon yield positive results.

In his remarks, MTN Nigeria's Chairman, Mr. Ernest Ndukwe, commended the federal government for its initiatives aimed at reviving the country’s economic fortunes. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting the current administration, noting that the donation aligns with MTN Nigeria’s "AMBITION 2025" strategy, which aims to support the federal government’s strategic initiatives.

Regarding the N1 billion donation, Ndukwe stated, "It aims to support the most vulnerable, marginalized, and underserved communities, ensuring that no one is left behind through increased collaboration and partnership with the Federal Government of Nigeria."

He expressed hope that the donated devices would contribute to the federal government’s goal of increasing digital literacy in secondary schools, improving creativity, analytical thinking, adaptability, and students’ access to current information in science and technology.

This development comes amid nationwide protests calling for an end to "bad governance" and the addressing of economic hardships in the country. The protests, fueled by soaring inflation—the highest in 28 years—and government policies that have driven the naira to record lows against the dollar, resulted in at least 17 deaths in Abuja, Kano, Niger, Borno, Kaduna, and Jigawa, with many others injured. These protests highlight the nation’s severe cost-of-living crisis and widespread dissatisfaction with corruption and alleged mismanagement that have hindered its development.